News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41 Nntp-Posting-Host: ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu Since there always seems to be questions about New Orleans, I thought I'd give you a brief summary of our recent experiences. They're worth just what you pay for them (unless you actually _pay_ to read the net!) The three places below were all in about the same price range: entrees $11-$18. Meals w/ appetizer, wine, dessert, and tip in the $40 range. The first in about 5 blocks off Canal, the others are in the French Quarter. 1)Emerils. By far the best. This place was just great. The chef is formerly of one of the old line places (Commander's Palace?). The food defies easy description; its major influences are New Orleans, Italian, and what I would call California bistro, but that doesn't do it justice. I had their version of barbecued shrimp which was somewhat non-standard: shrimp shelled, in a sauce with cream and heavy on their home-made Worschestershire (sp?) sauce, very good. Main course was a crawfish risotto with cheese. Also quite good. Although I did not have it, their signature desert is a banana cream pie-- I know it sounds pedestrian, but it's not! Others at the table had some beautiful salads, esp. one with smoked duck, very good gumbo, a grilled pork chop on white beans (strong cassoulet feel) and a vegeterian lasagne. The wine list is on the expensive side, but the markup is actually quite reasonable--we saw several of the same wines elsewhere for more $. The service is attentive, some would say too much so, and a little pretentious; when the food comes out, they make a big deal out of getting enough waiters so that everyone gets their plate at exactly the same time. Clearly a power dining spot--lots of schmoozing going on and a couple of celebs. Reservations apparently essential, several days in advance for the weekend. Dollar for dollar, this is one of the best dining experiences I've had. They also have a $25 prix frix deal that looks to be a good bargain, but we didn't go for it. 2)C&G Courtyard grill (I may have the initials not quite right, it's on Decateur across from the French market. Similar in many ways to Emerils, although not quite so good, but still very nice. I had a special of black bean pasta with scallops in a chipotle pepper sauce. Very good, although I like my scallops a little smaller. Don't remember what the others had, but it got good reviews. Service only adequate. 3)Anacapri. A relatively new place run by a chef with a popular restaurant out from town, Annabelles(?). Italian. Beautiful room. Very good, if somewhat more traditional food. Mozzarella made on the premises, and outstanding. I had lamb chops that were great--done to perfection, nicely seasoned. One person had grilled salmon that was very good, another had cioppino that looked great, but I didn;t taste it. Good service. Wonderful bread with great olive oil on the table. Others: Had lunch at the Gumbo Shop which I remembered fondly from earlier trips and was disappointed. The gumbo is too thin in flavor, just doesn't seem to have simmered long enough. Did have a very good grilled Boudin, though. Ralph and Kacoo's is too much of a factory for me as a restaurant; I'm frankly amazed at the following it has even among people I would think know better (insert smiley if necessary) but the oyster bar is great--good service, reasonable prices (for the Quarter) and due to their volume, extremely fresh oysters. Well, there you have it--News from the Frontlines of eating. Chris
New Orleans, LA